Town could get a new council
Shrewsbury would get a new town council with its own special powers if a massive local government shake-up for Shropshire gets the green light, it was revealed today. Such a move would help to safeguard the key role Shrewsbury has in the county. Shrewsbury would get a new town council with its own special powers if a massive local government shake-up for Shropshire gets the green light, it was revealed today. Such a move would help to safeguard the key role Shrewsbury has in the county and also protect its historic mayoral and ceremonial traditions. The importance of the town is stressed in a business case for the setting up a new, all-purpose authority which would replace Shropshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in its area. The business case has been developed by the leaders of the county council and the Oswestry Borough and South Shropshire District authorities. It is being presented for approval to a special meeting of the county council next Friday and the aim is to submit it to the Government early in the New Year. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
The importance of the town is stressed in a business case for the setting up a new, all-purpose authority which would replace Shropshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in its area.
The business case has been developed by the leaders of the county council and the Oswestry Borough and South Shropshire District authorities.
It is being presented for approval to a special meeting of the county council next Friday and the aim is to submit it to the Government early in the New Year.
Oswestry borough councillors have already agreed the proposals in principle and South Shropshire district councillors will be asked for their agreement next Wednesday.
The business case says that economically Shrewsbury is the "powerhouse" for much of the county.
"Specific focus and attention will be given to developing governance structures for the town, including the establishment of a town council," it says.
Work will be undertaken with local stakeholders and residents to agree the civic, mayoral and ceremonial functions of a town council as well as the level and degree of services that should be delegated.
There is no mention of which sites would provide the headquarters of new town and unitary councils. Shrewsbury already has two big council offices at the Shirehall and the Guildhall.
